In the world of kayaking, there are two types of kayaks: sit-on and sit-in (AKA open vs closed). The most important difference between them is how you get in and out. Sit-in kayaks have a small opening that can be difficult to get into, especially for tall people. Sit-on kayaks have no opening which makes it easier to get into and out of the boat but you’re also more likely to get wet while paddling.
In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sit-on kayaks vs. sit-in kayaks to help you decide which is best for you.
Sit-On or Sit-In Kayaks: Which is Better?
Sit-on kayaks are most popular among casual paddlers. They’re stable and easy to use, which is a big plus if you’re new to the sport or don’t have much upper body strength. They also have roomy storage space which is easier to access while out on the water.
Sit in kayaks, on the other hand, are more difficult to enter and exit. But the benefit of sit-in kayaks is that they tend to be faster and more efficient than sit-on counterparts since you’re sitting lower in the water. They also have an enclosed hull which prevents your legs from getting wet when paddling.
The other main benefit of sit-in kayaks is the ability to attach a spray skirt. This will keep your lower half perfectly dry plus it gives you the ability to do a kayak roll (aka Eskimo roll) which allows you to upright yourself if you flip without getting water inside the boat.
Which Are More Stable: Sit-On or Sit-In Kayaks?
Sit-on kayaks are more stable in calm conditions compared to sit-in kayaks since they are larger and the open top makes it easier to move your legs around to adjust your balance. Sit-on models also have a wider beam, making them more stable and less likely to tip over.
The stability of sit-on kayaks comes at a cost of speed and maneuverability though.
Sit-in kayaks are less stable for beginners but are faster and easier to turn making them better for whitewater and choppy ocean paddling.
Plus, sit-in kayaks can be attached with a spray skirt, which will keep you dry even during rough conditions and allow you to upright yourself without swamping the boat.
The only way to upright a sit-on kayak if you flip is to flip it back while you’re in the water then scramble up onto it.
Best Times To Use a Sit-On Kayak
Sit-on kayaks work best in calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and sheltered bays and coves.
They don’t handle choppy waves on the sea or whitewater rapids well. They also aren’t great for cold weather paddling.
They are also ideal in hot weather as they make it easier to jump into and get out of deep water to cool off during a long paddle.
I also find them easier to store food and drinks and access it while on the water. Storage space is a bit easier to reach and there’s more of it than in sit-in kayaks.
- Spring: The water is usually cold but the air is mild. With a wetsuit you’ll have a great time in a sit-on kayak.
- Summer: Water warms up and the air can be hot, making it the best time for sit-on kayaks. The open body nature makes these boats naturally cooler and less stuffy.
- Fall: The weather becomes cooler which makes for a perfect day to go on a longer trip in a sit-on kayak. Like Spring, you’ll want to wear a wetsuit though if water temperatures are below 70 F.
- Winter: Colder temperatures are not ideal for sit-on kayaking. Use a sit-in kayak with a spray skirt and a dry suit instead.
Best Times To Use a Sit-In Kayak
Sit-in kayaks are best used by intermediate to advanced paddlers in whitewater or choppy oceans. That’s when their maneuverability shines.
They also shine during cold weather paddling as you can bundle up in them and the covered portion helps keep your lower body warm.
- Winter: The cold water makes sit-in kayaks ideal for this time of year. In addition to the dry suit, you’ll also need a good pair of gloves and neoprene booties to keep your feet warm.
- Spring/Fall: Sit in kayaks are pretty versatile thanks to their enclosed hull which keep the water off you on cold days. We still recommend a wetsuit even with a sit-in kayak.
- Summer: Sit-in kayaks are best used for whitewater kayaking during the summer. While you can use them on lakes and calm rivers it’s usually more fun with a sit-on kayak as it makes it easier to get into and out of deep water for a quick swim.
Which Is Better For Beginners: Sit-In or Sit-On Kayaks?
Sit-on kayaks are better for beginners because they are easier to balance since there is an open-top allowing you to move your legs around. They’re also more stable because of their wider beam.
For large and tall people you should always start with a sit-on kayak as you’ll need the extra legroom and stability while learning to balance and practice your basic kayak strokes.
Sit-on kayaks are also less scary if you flip as you can easily upright them and climb back on in deep water. They also self-drain so they won’t stay swamped like a sit-in kayak would after a flip.
Which Flips More Easily: Open or Closed Kayaks?
Sit-on kayaks are the clear winner when it comes to flipping. They self-drain so you can easily flip it back over in deep water with no risk of swamping the boat and they have a wider beam which makes them easier to balance so you don’t flip in the first place.
On top of that, their open design makes it much easier for a beginner to get out of the boat and upright it without fear of getting trapped in a flipped kayak.
Even if you do flip while climbing back into your sit-on kayak, all you need to do is roll it back over and climb on. It’s much easier than trying to right a sit-in kayak singlehandedly while in deep water.
The downside is that sit-on kayaks are more likely to flip in choppy oceans and whitewater rivers as they are slower and less maneuverable so it’s harder to avoid rapids and rocks.
In whitewater and open oceans, sit-in kayaks are less likely to flip.
